Increased safety for the M.KO refrigerated truck body  

September 2022 - The M.KO COOL refrigerated motor vehicle body has also undergone a generation change. Increased insulation for even safer temperature-controlled transport, weight reduction for more payload, safe and easy handling for more time savings as well as the efficient through-loading option were the focus of the design engineers.

The insulation properties of the box body have been improved by 10 % through thicker front wall, side walls and floor with identical interior dimensions. New body parts allow for a better K-value and, depending on the specification, this meets the high requirements of ATP/FRC certification for perishable food. This also ensures that less fuel is needed for the refrigeration unit to maintain temperatures in the body. Thanks to its optimised design, the M.KO weighs a total of 100 kilograms less, allowing for more payload. For increased stability and durability of the body, the side wall connections were equipped with steel profiles instead of the previous bolted aluminium profile connections. Thanks to the similarity to other Schmitz Cargobull FERROPLAST products, the modular subframe also impresses with its ease of repair.

The M.KO COOL body is equipped with the Schmitz Cargobull partition wall solution for multi-temperature transport. Based on the tried and tested FERROPLAST panels, this offers the highest insulation properties, just like the body. The body has transverse partition walls in 1/3 and 2/3 subdivision in simultaneous connection with a longitudinal partition wall. This means that the load compartment can be flexibly divided into different temperature ranges for different goods. Due to the improved insulation, the sensitive cargo is safely protected against temperature loss. Even if the entire load compartment is not needed, the cold supply can be throttled back accordingly, thus saving energy.

Furthermore, a new generation of the modular, dynamic ram buffer was installed to protect the vehicles during loading and unloading at the ramp. This is 56 kg lighter and more resistant than the previous version and can also be replaced as an individual module.

The M.KO COOL is equipped with the airline floor and load securing rails under the roof. The aluminium locking bar with 250 mm adjustable grip track, for vertical load securing ensures ideal load securing during transport. The increased grip track offers additional flexibility for load securing under folded up 1/3 and 2/3 traverse partitions or the evaporator protection frame. This new version has been tested by an independent laboratory and confirmed vertical load securing with maximum securing force of up to 1600 daN. This floor is also specially designed for securing trolleys required for daily last-mile deliveries. The simple, flexible and fast load securing saves the transport company time and money and ensures optimised and safe transport of the goods.

Optionally available is also a "Safety Options Package", which is designed to prevent damage to the driver, vehicle and load as well as other road users. In addition to a 360º camera system; SL2 safety lights at the rear; two units of LED reversing lights, the body also has flashing side marker lights to the right and left of the body. A new swivelling access ladder provides convenient and safe access for the driver. The galvanised steel construction makes it robust and durable, and with a larger, height-adjustable rung range and simple locking mechanism, it offers improved handling and ease of use. The safety aspect is further enhanced by an additional feature that has the provision to prevent the truck engine from starting when the ladder is in an open position.

M.KO/Z.KO refrigerated truck body and trailer combination

If the M.KO COOL motor vehicle refrigerated body is coupled with the Z.KO COOL central axle trailer, the combination can be used as a through-loading train. This enables the driver to load and unload the M.KO directly via the Z.KO with a forklift. This saves time and space, as the ramp with the entire through-loading train only has to be approached once and the trailer does not have to be uncoupled in between.

The Z.KO is also equipped with the new generation box body with high insulation properties.. In addition to an improved chassis, it can boast a weight reduction of 100 kg, which amounts to a total weight saving of 200 kg for the through-loading train. The Z.KO is also equipped with an airline floor and load securing rails under the roof.

On the through-loading train, the front wall of the Z.KO can serve as a pneumatic flap. This ensures faster and more convenient loading and unloading. For this purpose, the front flap of the Z.KO is swung upwards for loading via the M.KO tail lift. The front flap serves as a roof and protects the gap area between the M.KO and Z.KO from precipitation. The pneumatic front flap can be operated from the inside and outside of the body. Special air curtains on the M.KO and Temptec curtain on the Z.KO in the opening area of the bodies also protect from temperature loss and help to save costs and energy.

The extendable drawbar in cranked version ensures better manoeuvrability, especially with a vertical tail lift. Possible collisions with tail lift arms are thus avoided. The extendable trailer connection plate for brake and electrical connections also offers more comfort for the driver. The brake and electrical connections can be connected quickly and safely and tear-off damage is largely avoided. The hydraulic support feet at the front and rear also ensure faster and more comfortable operation of the trailer. The Z.KO is also equipped with the new generation of dynamic ramp protection.

The central electrical box contains all electrical connections in one easily accessible location. So for retrofitting new electrical options and functions, all electrical connections are in one easily accessible place, with full documentation. This facilitates flexible access, maintenance and service for all electrical components.

The M.KO and Z.KO combination also offers many options that contribute to safety. For this, there is a rear view camera and work lights on the top of the rear frame. Besides an acoustic rear warning system, there are also two units of LED reversing lights and other safety lights at the rear. Flashing side marker lights are also located on the right and left. The new swivelling access ladder provides convenient and safe access to the vehicle with two steps. The larger, height-adjustable rung surfaces feature an anti-slip surface. Made of galvanised steel, the ladder is bolted together and due to its robust construction, durable and also easy to repair. The safety aspect is further supported by the "Safe Start" option. When the ladder is extended, the brake on the Z.KO is activated at the same time. So if the vehicle drives off with the ladder still extended, the trailer is automatically braked.

Side assistance systems also increase safety for other road users. This means less stress for the driver, as it eliminates blind spots and detects moving objects on the right vehicle side more quickly.